Synthesis and characterization of a novel, pH-responsive, bola-based dynamic crosslinked fracturing fluid

Abstract

Fracturing fluids are important media for hydraulic fracturing. Typically, the fluids are gelled using a polymeric gelling agent. Technological improvements over the years have focused primarily on improving the rheological performance, thermal stability, and the clean-up of crosslinked gels. In this study, novel supramolecular assembly of a low-damage fracturing fluid combining an ionic polymer gel (hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride guar-cationic guar) and a bola surfactant fluid (bola carboxylate polypropylene glycol) is carried out and it is reported to have improved properties and special characteristics due to the synergistic effects of the dual systems, which are different from those of polymer gels and surfactant fluids. The viscosity of the fracturing fluid shows a sudden increase upon an increase in temperature and excellent self-assembly recovery after shearing. The fracturing fluid exhibits pH-responsive viscosity changes and low permeability impairment, due to the formation of a network structure and supramolecular microspheres at different pH values.

Comparative Evaluation of the Rheological and Proppant Handling Capability of Detarium microcarpum as a Viscosifier in Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Design

“…J. Du et al [6] created a hydraulic fluid by crosslinking an ionic polymer gel (hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride guar-cationic guar) with a bola surfactant fluid (bola-carboxylate polypropylene glycol). Due to the influence of the dual systems, it was claimed to have significantly better properties and distinctive traits.…”

Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on the Performance of Inverse Emulsion Polyacrylamide Fracturing Fluid Thickeners

“…Thus, the fracturing fluid must possess excellent shear resistance and shear recovery capabilities. 9 In recent years, the advancement of exploration technology has led to a significant increase in the operating depth of oil wells, with some wells extending several thousand meters into the formation. Moreover, these deeper wells often encounter high temperatures exceeding 100 °C.…”

“…To ensure the successful completion of the fracturing process, it is essential for the fracturing fluid to promptly restore its viscosity after undergoing shear thinning. Thus, the fracturing fluid must possess excellent shear resistance and shear recovery capabilities . In recent years, the advancement of exploration technology has led to a significant increase in the operating depth of oil wells, with some wells extending several thousand meters into the formation.…”

Synthesis and performance evaluation of crosslinker for seawater‐based fracturing fluid

“…3,4 By modifying the galactose of the side chains of guar gum, a series of its derivatives with better properties in practical applications can be obtained, such as hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG), carboxymethyl guar gum (CMG) and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar gum (CMHPG). [5][6][7] In addition, the cis-adjacent hydroxyl groups on the polymer chains of guar gum can form coordination bonds with inorganic ions and form fracturing fluid gel, 8,9 which plays the role of sand-carrying and supporting in fracturing operations. 10,11 Boron, titanium, zirconium and aluminum are the crosslinkers used for guar gum, which are selected according to different pH values, temperatures and polymer types at the construction sites.…”